King, one of Maine’s most popular politicians and a former two-term governor, said that Maine voters need to choose the best candidate for the job, regardless of political party or whatever perceived chance of winning the candidate has three months before the election.

Cutler currently lags far behind in the polls, which show a dead heat between the partisan front-runners, Republican incumbent Gov. Paul LePage and Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud. The poll-tracking website Real Clear Politics lists Maine’s gubernatorial election as a “toss up.”

“What people have to cross over is this idea of trying to think of all the political angles, and just say, Who will make the best governor?” King said. “If the people of Maine look at these candidates and say, ‘Who will make the best governor, who has the ideas, who has the best thinking?’ — Eliot wins. That’s why I believe he’s going to. That’s the calculation.”

The two independents emphasized Cutler’s business pedigree, and the advantages they said an independent can have as the top elected official in the state, such as the ability to draw from the best both parties have to offer without having to swear allegiance to either.

They also addressed the question of strategic voting during a press conference at Kepware Technologies.

Many observers of gubernatorial race believe that a stronger showing by Cutler would come at the expense of support for Michaud. The stronger Cutler performs on election day, the more likely a LePage victory.

“The choice between Mr. Michaud and Mr. LePage, both of whom have their qualities, is a choice that I don’t want any Maine voter to have to make,” Cutler said. “… I’m really tired of hearing the phrase ‘splitting the vote.’ I prefer the phrase ‘combining votes.’ That’s what we’re all about, that’s what Angus is all about, and that’s what the people of Maine need now. Two-thirds of people in this state haven’t decided who they’re going to vote for in November. That is an opportunity that I embrace.”

King endorsed Cutler in 2010, when he surged late in the race for the Blaine House, and Cutler stumped for King during the later’s 2012 Senate campaign.

Many have attributed part of Cutler’s sharp rise in support late in the 2010 election cycle to King’s endorsement, which came just days before Election Day. Cutler eventually came in second place to LePage, but some observers have posited that Cutler could have wrested eventual victory from the Republican had King endorsed earlier.

King said that he’s skeptical of the ability of any one politician to move votes, but that he was excited at the chance to lend his support Cutler earlier in the campaign than he did four years ago.

“People of Maine are very capable of making their own decisions, but I did feel that if and when I decided Eliot was the right guy, I should step forward now rather than later,” he said.

Lizzy Reinholt, spokeswoman for Michaud’s campaign, said King’s endorsement didn’t come as a surprise. She said Michaud has had a “good working relationship” with King, and will continue to throughout the remainder of his term in Congress and in the Blaine House.

A representative from LePage’s campaign said King’s endorsement was a repudiation of Michaud’s record in Congress.

“It is no surprise that Angus King would endorse someone other than Michaud after seeing how ineffective he is in Congress,” said Alexander Willette, spokesman for LePage’s campaign, in a written statement. “The LePage campaign has always viewed this as a three-way race and today’s endorsement reflects the same position Cutler was in during the 2010 election.”

The endorsement from an individual politician may not translate into the sort of grassroots support that comes from member-driven organizations such as labor unions or issue-advocacy groups. But the support of a popular figure like King could send a signal to donors. Cutler campaign appearances from King, if they come, could bring additional attention to the independent’s campaign, which may translate to support from crucial undecided voters.